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Resistin is expressed in pancreatic islets
Alexandra H Minn1, Noelle B Patterson, Stephanie Pack
1Endocrinology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|October 3, 2003
Summary
Human islet cells express resistin, a hormone linked to insulin resistance. This study found resistin levels increase in insulin-resistant mice, suggesting a role in both human and mouse metabolic health.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Resistin, an adipocyte factor regulated by PPARgamma agonists, is implicated in rodent insulin resistance.
- The expression and role of human resistin in pancreatic islets remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of resistin in human pancreatic islets.
- To determine if resistin expression is altered in insulin resistance.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of resistin expression in human islets from seven donors.
- Immunohistochemistry using a resistin-specific antibody on human pancreatic sections.
- Detection of mouse resistin in the Min6 beta cell line.
Main Results:
- Resistin expression was detected in all human islet samples.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed resistin protein localization within human islets.
- A four-fold increase in islet resistin expression was observed in insulin-resistant A-ZIP transgenic mice compared to wild-type mice.
Conclusions:
- Resistin is expressed in human pancreatic islets.
- Islet resistin expression is upregulated in the context of insulin resistance.
- These findings highlight a potential role for resistin in both human and mouse metabolic regulation.